In what ways can we show kindness to strangers, as seen in Ruth 2:6? Scripture Focus “The foreman of the harvesters replied, ‘She is the Moabitess who returned with Naomi from the land of Moab.’” Why This Detail Matters • Ruth is immediately identified as a foreigner—a stranger in Bethlehem. • The remark reminds everyone on the scene (and us) that God’s people often stand face-to-face with outsiders who need kindness. • The way Boaz responds becomes the blueprint for godly hospitality. Kindness Boaz Extends to Ruth • Notices her – Boaz asks about the unfamiliar woman rather than ignoring her (v. 5). • Welcomes her – “Listen, my daughter… stay close” (v. 8). • Protects her – “I have commanded the young men not to touch you” (v. 9). • Provides refreshment – “When you are thirsty, go and drink” (v. 9). • Invites fellowship – “Come over here; have some bread and dip it” (v. 14). • Gives generously – instructs workers to leave extra grain (vv. 15-16). • Blesses verbally – “May the LORD repay your work” (v. 12). • Honors her dignity – speaks kindly, calls her “daughter,” values her loyalty (v. 13). Ways We Can Show Similar Kindness Today 1. Notice newcomers—learn their names, ask their stories. 2. Offer a genuine welcome—invite them to sit with you, join your group, attend your gathering. 3. Provide practical help—meals, transportation, childcare, or assistance with paperwork. 4. Ensure safety—create environments where the vulnerable are protected from harm or exploitation. 5. Share resources—leave “handfuls on purpose” through gifts, gift cards, or shared tools. 6. Extend hospitality—open your home, your table, your schedule. 7. Speak life—offer words that affirm worth and remind of God’s care. 8. Advocate—use your influence to secure opportunities or fair treatment for the outsider. 9. Include socially—invite strangers into meaningful community, not just surface interaction. 10. Bless spiritually—pray for them, share Scripture, and point them to the Redeemer. Supporting Scriptures • Leviticus 19:34 – “You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself…” • Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels…” • Matthew 25:35 – “I was a stranger and you took Me in.” • Luke 10:33-34 – The Samaritan “had compassion… bandaged his wounds…” • James 2:15-16 – Kindness means action, not mere words. • Galatians 6:10 – “Let us do good to everyone…” Motivations Rooted in Truth • We remember our own status: once “strangers… without hope” until welcomed by Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). • We mirror God’s character—He “defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner” (Deuteronomy 10:18). • We anticipate eternal reward: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me” (Matthew 25:40). Putting It Into Practice This Week • Identify one person who feels out of place at church, work, or school—introduce yourself and listen. • Invite an international student, refugee family, or new neighbor for a meal. • Carry small gift cards or care packages to share with those in need. • Volunteer with a local ministry that serves immigrants, the homeless, or widows. • Budget “gleanings”: set aside a portion of income specifically for acts of mercy. • Speak blessing—write a note or send a text that affirms God’s care for the recipient. Boaz’s field becomes our classroom. By noticing, welcoming, protecting, providing, and honoring the stranger, we display the heart of our Redeemer in tangible, life-giving ways. |
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